Apparatus for growing low defect density silicon carbide

ABSTRACT

A low defect (e.g., dislocation and micropipe) density silicon carbide (SiC) is provided as well as an apparatus and method for growing the same. The SiC crystal, grown using sublimation techniques, is preferably divided into two stages of growth. During the first stage of growth, the crystal grows in a normal direction while simultaneously expanding laterally. Although dislocations and other material defects may propagate within the axially grown material, defect propagation and generation in the laterally grown material are substantially reduced, if not altogether eliminated. After the crystal has expanded to the desired diameter, the second stage of growth begins in which lateral growth is suppressed and normal growth is enhanced. A substantially reduced defect density is maintained within the axially grown material that is based on the laterally grown first stage material.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 60/182,553, filed Feb. 15, 2000.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to silicon carbide and, moreparticularly, to a method and apparatus for growing low defect densitysilicon carbide.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Silicon carbide (SiC) has a number of characteristics that make it anideal candidate for a variety of semiconductor applications, primarilythose requiring high power handling capabilities. Arguably the mostimportant characteristic of SiC is its indirect bandgap, resulting inrelatively high recombination lifetimes and the ability to producehigher voltage junctions than those that can be produced from a directbandgap material. The large bandgap of this material also provides fornegligible current leakage up to 500° C., thereby allowing for hightemperature operation without excessive leakage current or thermalrunaway. The switching frequency of SiC devices is much higher than thatof a device fabricated from silicon or gallium arsenide due to SiC'shigh breakdown strength and the resultant reduction in minority carrierstorage and associated switching losses. Lastly, due to the highjunction temperature and the high thermal conductivity of SiC, devicesfabricated from SiC have reduced cooling requirements.

Although semiconductor devices based on SiC offer vast improvements overdevices fabricated from silicon, in order to realize these improvementsmaterials must be fabricated with much lower defect densities than havebeen obtainable heretofore. As noted by the authors in the 1999 articleentitled SiC Power Devices, Naval Research Reviews, Vol. 51, No. 1(1999), in order to scale up devices fabricated from SiC, the density ofdislocations as well as the density of micropipes must be reduced.Conventional SiC material has a dislocation density between 10⁵ and 10⁶per square centimeter and a micropipe density between 10² and 10³ persquare centimeter. Some extremely high quality SiC material has beengrown with dislocation densities on the order of 10⁴ per squarecentimeter. Unfortunately, even this dislocation density is at least anorder of magnitude too high for many semiconductor applications. Id. atpage 21.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,679,153 discloses a technique of growing SiC epitaxiallayers using liquid phase epitaxy in which the density of micropipes issubstantially reduced or eliminated. In one aspect of the disclosedtechnique, an epitaxial layer of SiC is formed on a bulk single crystalof SiC, the epitaxial layer being of sufficient thickness to closemicropipe defects propagated from the bulk crystal. In order to form anelectronically active region for device formation, a second epitaxiallayer is formed on the first epitaxial layer by chemical vapordeposition. Based on this technique, SiC layers having micropipedensities of between 0 and 50 micropipes per square centimeter on thesurface were claimed.

Although techniques have been disclosed to achieve SiC materials withlow micropipe densities, these techniques do not lend themselves togrowing bulk materials, i.e., materials that are at least a millimeterthick or more preferably, at least a centimeter thick. Additionally,these techniques do not impact the dislocation densities of thematerial. Accordingly, what is needed in the art is a technique ofgrowing bulk SiC material with defect densities on the order of 10³ persquare centimeter, more preferably on the order of 10² per squarecentimeter, and even more preferably on the order of 10 or lessdislocations per square centimeter. The present invention provides sucha technique and the resultant material.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the invention, a low defect density silicon carbide(SiC) is provided as well as an apparatus and method for growing thesame. The SiC crystal, grown using sublimation techniques, is dividedinto two stages of growth. During the first stage of growth, the crystalgrows in a normal direction while simultaneously expanding laterally.Preferably during this stage the ratio of the lateral growth rate to theaxial growth rate is between 0.35 and 1.75. Although dislocations andother material defects may propagate within the axially grown material,defect propagation and generation in the laterally grown material aresubstantially reduced, if not altogether eliminated. After the crystalhas expanded to the desired diameter, the second stage of growth beginsin which lateral growth is suppressed and normal growth is enhanced.Preferably during this stage the ratio of the lateral growth rate to theaxial growth rate is between 0.01 and 0.3, and more preferably between0.1 and 0.3. A substantially reduced defect density is maintained withinthe axially grown material that is based on the laterally grown firststage material. Preferably during this stage the ratio of the lateralgrowth rate to the axial growth rate is between 0.01 and 0.3, and morepreferably between 0.1 and 0.3. A substantially reduced defect densityis maintained within the axially grown material that is based on thelaterally grown first stage material.

In one aspect of the invention, a SiC material is provided with a lowdefect density, defects including both dislocations and micropipes. Thedefect density in the grown SiC is less than 10⁴ per square centimeter,preferably less than 10³ per square centimeter, more preferably lessthan 10² per square centimeter, and still more preferably less than 10per square centimeter. In at least one embodiment, SiC is growncomprised of an axially grown region and a laterally grown region, thelaterally grown region having the desired low defect density. In anotherembodiment of the invention, the SiC is comprised of a central regionhaving a first defect density and a perimeter region encircling thecentral region that has a second defect density. The second defectdensity is substantially less than the first defect density and is lessthan 10³ per square centimeter, preferably less than 10² per squarecentimeter, and more preferably less than 10 per square centimeter. Inanother embodiment of the invention, the SiC material is comprised of aSiC seed crystal, a first crystalline growth region initiating at agrowth surface of the SiC seed crystal and following an axial growthpath, and a second crystalline growth region of the desired defectdensity initiating at a growth surface of the SiC seed crystal andfollowing a laterally expanding growth path. The laterally expandinggrowth path is at an angle of at least 25 degrees, and preferably atleast 45 degrees, from the normal, i.e., axial, growth path.

In another aspect of the invention, a method of growing a SiC materialwith a low dislocation density is provided. In at least one embodiment,a SiC seed crystal is introduced into a sublimation system wherein bothaxial and lateral crystal growth is promoted, at least during one stageof growth. Propagation of dislocation defects, including micropipes,from the seed crystal into the laterally grown crystal is substantiallyreduced as is generation of dislocation defects within this region. Inat least another embodiment of the invention, a SiC seed crystal isintroduced into a sublimation system and heated to a temperaturesufficient to cause sublimation. Temperature gradients within thesublimation system as well as temperature differentials between thecrystallization growth front and adjacent surfaces promote a first stageof free space crystal expansion wherein the crystallization frontexpands both axially and laterally followed by a second stage of freespace crystal expansion wherein the crystallization front expandsaxially while lateral expansion is suppressed.

In another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for use in growing aSiC material with a low dislocation density is provided. In at least oneembodiment of the invention, the apparatus includes a ring element thatpromotes lateral crystal expansion, preferably through the use of aconical surface. The ring element may also be used to shield the edge ofthe SiC seed from the growth process. The ring element may also includea second surface, preferably conical, that promotes lateral crystalcontraction. Preferably the ring element inner surfaces are comprised ofeither Ta_(x)C_(y) or Nb_(x)C_(y). In at least one embodiment of theinvention, the apparatus also includes a graphite heat sink coupled to anon-growth surface of the SiC seed crystal, a growth chamber with innersurfaces preferably comprised of either Ta_(x)C_(y) or Nb_(x)C_(y), andmeans for applying temperature gradients to the crucible.

A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the presentinvention may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of thespecification and the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates the regions of defect free crystalgrowth in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a reduction in the core region duringcrystal growth;

FIG. 3 illustrates the basic methodology applied to achieve low defectdensity SiC;

FIG. 4 illustrates the preferred design of the sublimation system;

FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed cross-section of the critical growthregion of the preferred design of the invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates the calculated temperature distribution within thegrowth cell and in the growing crystal for a ring element cone angle of45 degrees and a growth period of approximately 4 hours;

FIG. 7 illustrates the calculated temperature distribution within thegrowth cell and in the growing crystal for a ring element cone angle of70 degrees and a growth period of approximately 4 hours;

FIG. 8 illustrates the calculated temperature distribution within thegrowth cell and in the growing crystal for a ring element cone angle of45 degrees and a growth period of approximately 22 hours;

FIG. 9 illustrates the calculated temperature distribution within thegrowth cell and in the growing crystal for a ring element cone angle of70 degrees and a growth period of approximately 22 hours;

FIG. 10 illustrates a one dimensional temperature distribution over thering element cell wall and the crystal interface;

FIG. 11 illustrates the ring element wall locations and the crystalinterface locations that correspond to the data points shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 illustrates the distribution of the principal component of thethermal elastic stress tensor as computed for the temperaturedistributions shown in FIG. 6; and

FIG. 13 illustrates the distribution of the principal component of thethermal elastic stress tensor as computed for the temperaturedistributions shown in FIG. 8.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

The dislocations in (0001) silicon carbide (SiC) seed crystals areprimarily threading and screw dislocations in the <0001> crystaldirection. Micropipe defects are basically screw dislocations with aBurger's vector that is so large that the core of the screw is empty.The inventors have found that by growing a crystal under the appropriateconditions in the radial direction (i.e., lateral direction) rather thanthe axial direction, the multiplication of <0001> dislocations issuppressed. Accordingly, under the appropriate conditions, a defect freeSiC crystal can be grown using sublimation techniques.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 1,crystal growth is divided into two stages. During the first stage ofgrowth, the crystal grows in a normal direction (i.e., vertically) whilesimultaneously expanding laterally. Preferably during this stage theratio of the lateral growth rate to the axial growth rate is between0.35 and 1.75. After the crystal has expanded to the desired diameter,lateral growth is suppressed while normal growth is enhanced (i.e., thesecond stage of growth). Preferably during this stage the ratio of thelateral growth rate to the axial growth rate is between 0.01 and 0.3,and more preferably between 0.1 and 0.3. In the preferred embodimentthis ratio is not too low, thereby achieving a slightly convex growthsurface and avoiding singularization of this surface. Lateral crystalgrowth is limited by the size of the crucible, which, in turn, isprimarily limited by the ability to achieve the required temperaturegradients.

According to the invention, although dislocations and other materialdefects propagate within core region 101, defect propagation andgeneration is substantially reduced, if not altogether eliminated, inthe laterally grown area 103. Additionally, a substantially reduceddefect density is maintained within the axially grown material that isbased on the laterally grown material, i.e., regions 105. Preferably thegrowth conditions are chosen to reduce the size of core region 101during growth as illustrated in FIG. 2.

In order to achieve defect free lateral crystal growth, the inventorshave found that preferably a number of conditions are met. Theseconditions, discussed in further detail below, include:

(i) High quality seed crystal—Preferably the growth surface of the seedcrystal is defect free, thereby minimizing the propagation of defectswithin the core region of the grown crystal.

(ii) Shielding the back surface of the seed crystal to preventinitiation of dislocations and other microscopic defects (e.g., planardefects) which can propagate through the crystal and impact the qualityof the grown crystal.

(iii) Selection of the proper growth angle—Generally angle 107 in FIG. 1must be greater than 25 degrees, and preferably greater than 45 degrees.This angle is primarily determined by two factors; first, the verticaltemperature gradient between the source and the seed crystal and second,the lateral temperature gradient between the center of the crucible andthe crucible walls.

(iv) Selection of an appropriate seed crystal diameter—Generally thediameter of the seed crystal should be less than 30 percent of thediameter of the crystal to be grown.

(v) Prevention of polycrystalline growth—Requires the elimination ofcontact between the laterally growing material and the crucibleside-walls thus insuring free-space expansion of the crystal. This isachieved by maintaining a temperature differential between the laterallygrowing crystal and the crucible side-walls.

FIG. 3 illustrates the basic methodology applied to achieve defect freeSiC while corresponding FIG. 4 illustrates the preferred design for thefurnace and crucible. Initially a SiC seed crystal 401 is selected andprepared. (Step 301) Seed crystal 401 can be grown using any of a numberof well known techniques (e.g., Lely method). In the preferredembodiment a seed crystal with minimal defects is used, typically on theorder of 10⁵ per square centimeter or less. Also preferably the seedcrystal has minimal, if any, micropipe defects. The ratio of thediameter of seed crystal 401 to the diameter of the crystal to be grownis preferably less than 0.3.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, surface mechanical defectsare removed from the surface of the seed crystal using conventionalsurface preparation techniques, e.g., grinding, polishing, and chemicaletching. In this embodiment, approximately 50 microns is removedalthough the removal of additional material in excess of a 50 micronlayer may be required in order to achieve the desired surface.Preferably the surface finish has an RMS roughness of 50 Angstroms orless.

During crystal growth, it is important to prevent graphitization. (Step303) Accordingly, the back surface of seed crystal 401 is preferablyshielded during evaporation. The preferred method of shielding thenon-growth surfaces of seed crystal 401 is to place the growth surfaceof the crystal onto the flat, polished surface of a tantalum disk. Thenthe wafer is annealed in vacuum for a few minutes at 1700 to 1750° C.,yielding a dense graphite layer 403 on those seed crystal surfaces notin contact with the tantalum disk. Once formed, back surface graphitelayer 403 is coupled to a holder 405. Preferably holder 405 is comprisedof graphite or pyrographite and a graphite based glue is used to coupleseed crystal 401 to holder 405, the glue eliminating voids in the jointbetween the two surfaces. In addition to helping to preventgraphitization, the above-described crystal seating process alsoprevents localized temperature non-uniformities in the seating area thatarise from having voids between the back surface of the seed crystal andthe crucible lid (e.g., the seed holder).

In an alternate embodiment, the dense graphite layer 403 is grown on allseed crystal surfaces and subsequently removed from the growth surface,for example using an epi-polishing technique.

In order to shield the non-growth seed surfaces of the seed crystal fromevaporation, in the preferred embodiment of the invention seed crystal401 is sealed within a multi-element system that includes a ring element407. (Step 305) Ring element 407 is not only integral to the sealingsystem, it also helps to shape the desired lateral growth of thecrystal. The outer surface of element 407 is cylindrical while the innersurfaces are generally conical and coated with Ta_(x)C_(y) orNb_(x)C_(y). Preferably the inner surfaces of element 407 are comprisedof a pair of conical surfaces as shown in FIG. 4.

Seed crystal 401 is pressed and sealed to ring element 407 using a gasimpermeable graphite foil 409. As shown, the inner diameter of theportion of ring element 407 adjacent to seed crystal 401 as well as theinterposed gas impermeable foil 409 is smaller than the outer diameterof crystal 401. Accordingly, the edge of crystal 401 is unexposed, thuscontrolling growth of crystal defects that typically would originate atthe crystal edge, the crystal edge defined as the juncture of thecrystal face surface and the crystal side surface. In addition topreventing exposure of the crystal edge, ring element 407 provides ameans of achieving the desired lateral temperature gradient and thus, aspreviously noted, provides a means of controlling the lateral growth ofthe crystal.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the inner surface of ringelement 407 is comprised of a pair of conical surfaces, the pair ofconical surfaces providing a slight necking down of the crystal growthsurface. As such, prior to undergoing lateral expansion, the crystalgrowth surface undergoes an initial period of contraction. In analternate embodiment, ring element 407 is comprised of a single conicalinner surface that defines the laterally expanding crystal surface. Inan alternate embodiment, ring element 407 is comprised of a singleconical inner surface that defines the laterally expanding crystalsurface and a non-conical inner surface immediately adjacent to the seedcrystal that insures that the crystal growth interface initiallyundergoes a period of contraction prior to undergoing lateral expansion.As in the preferred embodiment, in the alternate embodiments the innerdiameter of the portion of element 407 in contact with foil 409 (andadjacent to crystal 401) is smaller than the outer diameter of seedcrystal 401, thus controlling growth of edge defects.

A second gas impermeable graphite foil 411 is used to seal the backsurface of seed crystal 401 and holder 405 to a graphite heat sink 413.Foil 411 helps to achieve a good thermal contact between crystal401/holder 405 and heat sink 413, the thermal contact preferably beingcontinuous across the entire heat sink interface. As shown, the outerdiameter of graphite heat sink 413 is substantially equal to the outerdiameter of ring element 407. The stack, comprised of heat sink 413,holder 405, seed crystal 401, ring element 407, and seals 409 and 411,is press fit within a thin-wall graphite cylinder 415 (step 307),thereby preventing reactive gases such as Si, Si₂C, and/or SiC₂ fromreaching the non-growth surfaces of seed crystal 401.

A source 417 is placed within a growth chamber 419. (Step 309). Seedcrystal 401, the multi-element sealing system and graphite cylinder 415are then located within the growth chamber. (Step 311) Growth chamber419 is fabricated from Ta_(x)C_(y), Nb_(x)C_(y), or graphite. Ifgraphite is used for growth chamber 419, the inner surfaces of thechamber are coated with either Ta_(x)C_(y) or Nb_(x)C_(y). Preferablythe distance between the seed crystal growth surface and the top of thesource material 417 is less than 30 percent of the diameter of source417, thus allowing quasi-equilibrium vapor phase conditions to bemaintained.

Source 417 is fabricated in such a manner as to suppress the formationof source particles in the gas phase during crystal growth. In thepreferred embodiment of the invention, this goal is achieved byannealing electronic grade SiC powder or a mixture of Si and C powdersat a temperature of between about 2100 and 2500° C. for approximately 1hour. As a result of the annealing process, a dense deposit is formedthat eliminates particle formation during crystal growth. In order toobtain doped SiC crystals using the invention, the desired dopantsand/or impurities (e.g., nitrogen, boron, aluminum, indium, vanadium,molybdenum, scandium, chromium, iron, magnesium, tin, and zirconium) areincluded in source 417.

Growth chamber 419 is placed within a two-piece graphite crucible 421(step 313), the shape (e.g., the tapered portions) of which is designedto provide the temperature gradients described in further detail below.In order to prevent graphitization, a requirement of the presentinvention, the stoichiometry of the vapor within the growth chamber,i.e., the ratio of silicon to carbon, must remain relatively constantduring crystal growth. One method of realizing this objective is tominimize material losses. Accordingly, in the preferred embodiment ofthe invention, the rate of material loss during the growth process ismaintained at a level of less than 0.5 percent of the initial sourceweight per hour. In particular this rate loss is achieved by firstlocating graphite crucible 421 within a high temperature furnace 423,preferably an RF induction furnace as shown. (Step 315) Graphite foam425 is used to suppress heat losses from the furnace. The furnace, alongwith the growth chamber, is next evacuated down to a pressure of 10⁻⁵torr or less (step 317) and then heated to a temperature ofapproximately 1500° C. (step 319). Chamber 419 is then sealed,preferably using different types of graphite with different coefficientsof thermal expansion, in order to prevent graphitization. (Step 321)

After chamber sealing, the furnace is filled with pure argon or argonwith traces of nitrogen. (Step 323) To obtain the desired resistivitywithin the grown crystal, the partial pressure of the gas filled furnaceis maintained within a range of 10⁻¹ to 10⁻⁴ torr. Crucible 421 andchamber 419 are then heated to a temperature of between 1900 and 2400°C. at a rate of between 6 and 20° C. per minute. (Step 325)

During crystal growth, crucible 421 is axially rotated at a rate ofapproximately 1 to 5 revolutions per minute. (Step 327) As the crystalgrows, the required temperature gradients are achieved, at least inpart, by altering the relative positions of crucible 421 and furnace423. (Step 329) Typically the rate of movement is approximatelyequivalent to the rate of crystal growth, i.e., between 0.1 and 1.5millimeters per hour.

Preferred Crystal Growth Methodology

In addition to the method and apparatus described above, the inventorshave found that certain growth methodologies are preferred. Aspreviously noted, free-space expansion of the crystal during growth iscritical to achieving defect free SiC. Accordingly, it is important toprevent the formation of polycrystalline deposits on all surfaces thatsurround seed 401, such surfaces including ring element 407, seed holder405, graphite cylinder 415, and growth chamber 419. Insuring that thetemperature of the surface in question is higher than that of the seedis the preferred technique for preventing polycrystalline deposits. Atthe same time, however, it is important that the temperaturedifferential between the seed and the adjacent surfaces not be toogreat, otherwise lateral crystal growth may be deterred. Accordingly,the inventors have found that the temperature differential between thecrystallization front and the adjacent surface before thecrystallization front should be in the range of 1 to 5° C.

The inventors have found that during the period of time in which thecrystal is undergoing lateral expansion, a temperature drop of between 5and 25° C., and preferably between 5 and 10° C., should be maintainedbetween seed 401 and source 417. This temperature differential aids inthe suppression of normal (i.e., non-lateral) crystal growth. Preferablythere is a lateral dependence to the temperature differential such thatthe smallest temperature differential occurs at the center of the seed,increasing with lateral distance. As a result, a convex crystallizationgrowth front is formed which aids in the elimination of micropipepropagation.

As previously described, preferably the angle between the normal crystalgrowth and the lateral crystal growth (e.g., angle 107 of FIG. 1) isgreater than 25 degrees. If the angle is less than 25 degrees, thedefects of seed crystal 401 and any defects that may be generated duringthe initial crystal growth will continue to propagate throughout thenewly grown crystal. If the angle is greater than 45 degrees, as in thepreferred embodiment of the invention, typically all of the defects willmove towards the lateral surface and, once the lateral surface isreached, not participate further in the growth process. In those casesin which not all of the defects are eliminated from participation in thegrowth process, the defect density in the laterally grown material istypically on the order of 10² per square centimeter or less, and moretypically on the order of 10 per square centimeter or less. In theintermediate situation in which the angle is between 25 and 45 degrees,the expansion of defects into the laterally growing crystal body istypically observed. If seed crystal 401 is of a high quality, however,angles within this range may yield crystals of sufficiently low defectdensity.

Initially, lateral crystal growth dominates (step 331), the laterallygrown crystal being free of micropipes and having a defect (e.g.,dislocations, micropipes) density less than 10⁴ per square centimeter,preferably less than 10³ per square centimeter, more preferably lessthan 10² per square centimeter, still more preferably less than 10 persquare centimeter, and still more preferably with zero defects persquare centimeter. As observed, this material is free of any graphiteinclusions. Crystal growth, dominated by lateral crystal growth,continues until the desired crystal diameter is reached, this crystaldiameter being defined by the growth chamber in general, and for theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, by ring element 407. Once the crystalreaches the desired diameter (step 333), the vertical temperaturegradient is changed to promote normal, i.e., vertical, crystal growth(step 335). In order to achieve the desired change in the temperaturegradient, the relative positions of furnace 423 and crucible 421 arechanged. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, furnace 423 is aninductive furnace and the coils of the furnace are moved relative tocrucible 421. Alternately, or in addition to changing the relativepositions of the furnace and the crucible, the temperature withinportions of the furnace may be changed. Preferably the axial temperaturegradient, i.e., the gradient between the source and the growth surface,is in the range of 10 to 50° C. per centimeter, yielding the desirednormal growth rate of between 0.4 and 1.5 millimeters per hour.

During the last stage of crystal growth it is important to preventconsiderable lateral crystal expansion. It is also important, aspreviously described, to prevent SiC deposits from forming on thecrucible side walls (e.g., the side walls of ring element 407, graphitecylinder 415, and growth chamber 419). Accordingly, a higher side walltemperature is maintained relative to the temperature of the seedcrystal, preferably the temperature difference being at least 10° C.,more preferably between 10 and 30° C., and still more preferably between10 and 15° C. The higher side wall temperature radiatively heats thesides of the growing crystal, thereby achieving hotter crystal sidewalls than the normal growth surface of the crystal. As a result, all ofthe vapor species are consumed at the normal growth surface of thecrystal and growth on the crucible side walls is suppressed.Additionally, this temperature difference insures that the growingcrystal does not come into contact with the crucible side walls, suchcontact being a major source of defects.

The inventors have also found that the temperature gradient in thegrowing crystal must be maintained at a relatively low number,preferably on the order of 5° C. per centimeter or less. If thetemperature gradient becomes too large, strain is created within thegrowing crystal, resulting in the formation of dislocations or otherdefects.

Detailed Growth Region

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the critical growth region in thepreferred embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment the SiC seedcrystal 501 is held within a portion of ring element 503. A graphitefoil ring 505 is interposed between ring element 503 and the growthsurface of crystal 501, foil ring 505 sealing the seed crystal to thering element. The side and back surfaces of crystal 501 are covered witha graphite foil 507. A graphite disk 509 is coupled to seed crystal 501via graphite foil 507. The primary purpose of disk 509 and interposedgraphite foil 507 is to aid in the removal of heat from crystal 501.Additionally, disk 509 provides a support surface for crystal 501 aswell as a means for conveniently applying pressure to the crystal withgraphite ring 511, thereby achieving a seal between the crystal andelement 503. Graphite foils 505 and 507 are typically between 0.25 and0.80 millimeters thick.

Ring element 503 is preferably press fit within a graphite cylinder 513.Graphite foil 515, typically between 0.25 and 0.80 millimeters thick, ispreferably interposed between the outer wall of ring element 503 and theinner wall of cylinder 513, thus helping to achieve a good pressureseal. Graphite foam 517 is used to suppress heat losses from thefurnace.

In this embodiment of the invention, ring element 503 is fabricated fromgraphite with inner surfaces 519 coated with Ta_(x)C_(y) or Nb_(x)C_(y).Diameter D, the largest inner diameter of element 503, is 30 millimetersalthough there are no major limitations to increasing this diameter,thereby yielding a larger grown crystal. Diameter d, the smallest innerdiameter of element 503 is selected such that the ratio D/d is greaterthan 3. Angle 521 is selected, as previously disclosed, to be greaterthan 25 degrees and preferably less than 90 degrees.

Thermal Analysis

FIGS. 6-10 provide calculated temperature distributions within thegrowth cell and in the growing crystal for a specific embodiment of theinvention. In FIGS. 6-9 the seed crystal is indicated as substrate 601,the crystal growth interface is indicated as surface 603, and the ringelement is indicated as element 605. For purposes of this analysis, ringelement 605 is comprised of a single conical surface rather than a pairof conical surfaces as shown in the ring elements of FIGS. 4 and 5.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the temperature distribution afterapproximately 4 hours of growth while FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate thetemperature distribution after approximately 22 hours of growth. Thecone angle for the ring element in FIGS. 6 and 8 is 45 degrees while thecone angle for the ring element in FIGS. 7 and 9 is 70 degrees.

FIG. 10 illustrates a one dimensional temperature distribution over thering element cell wall, i.e., line 1001, and the crystal interface,i.e., line 1003. The ring element wall locations and the crystalinterface locations that correspond to the data points shown on lines1001 and 1003, respectively, are shown in FIG. 11.

Thermal Elastic Stress Distribution

As disclosed above, the temperature gradient within the growing crystalmust be maintained at a relatively low number, preferably 5° C. percentimeter or less. FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate the distribution of theprincipal component of the thermal elastic stress tensor σ_(rz) given inPascals, as computed for the temperature distributions shown in FIGS. 6and 8. The illustrated thermal elastic stress component is responsiblefor gliding of dislocations.

The computed results indicate that the σ_(rz) value does not exceed theSiC plasticity threshold in the major portion of the crystal.Accordingly, the probability of generating dislocations within thegrowing crystal is negligible.

As will be understood by those familiar with the art, the presentinvention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing fromthe spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Accordingly, thedisclosures and descriptions herein are intended to be illustrative, butnot limiting, of the scope of the invention which is set forth in thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for suppressing defects duringgrowth of silicon carbide, the apparatus comprising: a ring element,comprising: a first annular portion coupleable to a growth surface of asingle crystal silicon carbide seed crystal; a first conical innersurface, said first conical inner surface defining a laterally expandingportion of a crystalline growth front, wherein an angle between saidfirst conical inner surface and a ring element axis is greater than 25degrees; a second conical inner surface interposed between said firstannular portion and said first conical inner surface, said secondconical inner surface defining a laterally contracting portion of saidcrystalline growth front; a graphite heat sink coupleable to anon-growth surface of said single crystal silicon carbide seed crystal;a growth chamber coupleable to said ring element and a silicon carbidesource; a graphite crucible substantially enclosing said growth chamber;a first heating means for applying at least a first temperature gradientand a second temperature gradient to said growth chamber, wherein saidfirst temperature gradient promotes axial crystal growth and promoteslateral crystal expansion, and wherein said second temperature gradientpromotes axial crystal growth and suppresses lateral crystal growth; anda second heating means for maintaining a higher adjacent surfacetemperature than a crystalline growth front temperature.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising a graphite foil interposedbetween said first annular portion of said ring element and said growthsurface of said single crystal silicon carbide seed crystal, saidgraphite foil sealing said first annular portion of said ring element tosaid growth surface of said single crystal silicon carbide seed crystal.3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein an inner diameter of said firstannular portion of said ring element is smaller than an outer diameterof said growth surface of said single crystal silicon carbide seedcrystal.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first conical innersurface is coated with a material selected from the group of materialsconsisting of Ta_(x)C_(y) and Nb_(x)C_(y).
 5. The apparatus of claim 1,said ring element further comprising a second conical inner surfaceinterposed between said first annular portion and said first conicalinner surface, said second conical inner surface defining a laterallycontracting portion of said crystalline growth front.
 6. The apparatusof claim 5, wherein said second conical inner surface is coated with amaterial selected from the group of materials consisting of Ta_(x)C_(y)and Nb_(x)C_(y).
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said angle betweensaid first conical inner surface and said ring element axis is greaterthan 45 degrees.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising agraphite foil interposed between said graphite heat sink and saidnon-growth surface of said single crystal silicon carbide seed crystal,said graphite foil forming a continuous thermal contact between saidgraphite heat sink and said non-growth surface of said single crystalsilicon carbide seed crystal.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a graphite cylinder, wherein an outer portion of said ringelement and an outer portion of said graphite heat sink are sealed to aninner surface of said graphite cylinder.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein an inner surface of said growth chamber is comprised of amaterial selected from the group of materials consisting of Ta_(x)C_(y)and Nb_(x)C_(y).
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said growthchamber separates said silicon carbide source and said growth surface ofsaid single crystal silicon carbide seed crystal by a distance less than30 percent of a silicon carbide source diameter.
 12. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said heating means is a RF induction furnace.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein said heating means is a resistive heaterfurnace.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising sealing meansfor sealing said growth chamber, said sealing means sufficient tomaintain a material rate loss of less than 0.5 percent of an initialsilicon carbide source weight per hour.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14,said sealing means comprising graphite foam.
 16. The apparatus of claim1, further comprising crucible rotating means.
 17. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said first temperature gradient results in atemperature drop of between 5° C. and 25° C. between said single crystalsilicon carbide seed crystal and said silicon carbide source.
 18. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein said second temperature gradient betweensaid silicon carbide source and crystalline growth front is in a rangeof 10° C. to 50° C. per centimeter.
 19. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein said first heating means and said second heating means are thesame.
 20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said adjacent surfacetemperature is between 1° C. to 5° C. higher than said crystallinegrowth front temperature.
 21. An apparatus for suppressing defectsduring growth of silicon carbide, the apparatus comprising: a ringelement, comprising: a first annular portion sealably coupleable to agrowth surface of a single crystal silicon carbide seed crystal, whereinan inner diameter of said first annular portion of said ring element issmaller than an outer diameter of said growth surface of said singlecrystal silicon carbide seed crystal; a first conical inner surface,said first conical inner surface defining a laterally expanding portionof a crystalline growth front, wherein an angle between said firstconical inner surface and a ring element axis is greater than 25degrees, said first conical inner surface comprised of a materialselected from the group of materials consisting of Ta_(x)C_(y) andNb_(x)C_(y); a second conical inner surface interposed between saidfirst annular portion and said first conical inner surface, said secondconical inner surface defining a laterally contracting portion of saidcrystalline growth front, said second conical inner surface comprised ofa material selected from the group of materials consisting ofTa_(x)C_(y) and Nb_(x)C_(y); a graphite heat sink coupleable to anon-growth surface of said single crystal silicon carbide seed crystal;a growth chamber coupleable to said ring element and a silicon carbidesource, said growth chamber comprised of a material selected from thegroup of materials consisting of Ta_(x)C_(y) and Nb_(x)C_(y); a graphitecrucible substantially enclosing said growth chamber; a first heatingmeans for applying at least a first temperature gradient and a secondtemperature gradient to said growth chamber, wherein said firsttemperature gradient promotes axial crystal growth and promotes lateralcrystal expansion, and wherein said second temperature gradient promotesaxial crystal growth and suppresses lateral crystal growth; and a secondheating means for maintaining a higher adjacent surface temperature thana crystalline growth front temperature.
 22. An apparatus for suppressingdefects during growth of silicon carbide, the apparatus comprising: aring element, comprising: a first annular portion coupleable to a growthsurface of a single crystal silicon carbide seed crystal; a firstconical inner surface, said first conical inner surface defining alaterally expanding portion of a crystalline growth front, wherein anangle between said first conical inner surface and a ring element axisis greater than 25 degrees; a graphite heat sink coupleable to anon-growth surface of said single crystal silicon carbide seed crystal;a growth chamber coupleable to said ring element and a silicon carbidesource; a graphite crucible substantially enclosing said growth chamber;means for rotating said graphite crucible; a first heating means forapplying at least a first temperature gradient and a second temperaturegradient to said growth chamber, wherein said first temperature gradientpromotes axial crystal growth and promotes lateral crystal expansion,and wherein said second temperature gradient promotes axial crystalgrowth and suppresses lateral crystal growth; and a second heating meansfor maintaining a higher adjacent surface temperature than a crystallinegrowth front temperature.
 23. The apparatus of claim 22, furthercomprising a graphite foil interposed between said first annular portionof said ring element and said growth surface of said single crystalsilicon carbide seed crystal, said graphite foil sealing said firstannular portion of said ring element to said growth surface of saidsingle crystal silicon carbide seed crystal.
 24. The apparatus of claim22, wherein an inner diameter of said first annular portion of said ringelement is smaller than an outer diameter of said growth surface of saidsingle crystal silicon carbide seed crystal.
 25. The apparatus of claim22, wherein said first conical inner surface is coated with a materialselected from the group of materials consisting of Ta_(x)C_(y) andNb_(x)C_(y).
 26. The apparatus of claim 22, said ring element furthercomprising a second conical inner surface interposed between said firstannular portion and said first conical inner surface, said secondconical inner surface defining a laterally contracting portion of saidcrystalline growth front.
 27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein saidsecond conical inner surface is coated with a material selected from thegroup of materials consisting of Ta_(x)C_(y) and Nb_(x)C_(y).
 28. Theapparatus of claim 22, wherein said angle between said first conicalinner surface and said ring element axis is greater than 45 degrees. 29.The apparatus of claim 22, further comprising a graphite foil interposedbetween said graphite heat sink and said non-growth surface of saidsingle crystal silicon carbide seed crystal, said graphite foil forminga continuous thermal contact between said graphite heat sink and saidnon-growth surface of said single crystal silicon carbide seed crystal.30. The apparatus of claim 22, further comprising a graphite cylinder,wherein an outer portion of said ring element and an outer portion ofsaid graphite heat sink are sealed to an inner surface of said graphitecylinder.
 31. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein an inner surface ofsaid growth chamber is comprised of a material selected from the groupof materials consisting of Ta_(x)C_(y) and Nb_(x)C_(y).
 32. Theapparatus of claim 22, wherein said growth chamber separates saidsilicon carbide source and said growth surface of said single crystalsilicon carbide seed crystal by a distance less than 30 percent of asilicon carbide source diameter.
 33. The apparatus of claim 22, whereinsaid heating means is a RF induction furnace.
 34. The apparatus of claim22, wherein said heating means is a resistive heater furnace.
 35. Theapparatus of claim 22, further comprising sealing means for, sealingsaid growth chamber, said sealing means sufficient to maintain amaterial rate loss of less than 0.5 percent of an initial siliconcarbide source weight per hour.
 36. The apparatus of claim 35, saidsealing means comprising graphite foam.
 37. The apparatus of claim 22,wherein said first temperature gradient results in a temperature drop ofbetween 5° C. and 25° C between said single crystal silicon carbide seedcrystal and said silicon carbide source.
 38. The apparatus of claim 22,wherein said second temperature gradient between said silicon carbidesource and crystalline growth front is in a range of 10° C. to 50° C.per centimeter.
 39. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein said firstheating means and said second heating means are the same.
 40. Theapparatus of claim 22, wherein said adjacent surface temperature isbetween 1° C. to 5° C. higher than said crystalline growth fronttemperature.